WASHINGTON – Consumer confidence rose more than expected in August, and expectations hit the highest level since the recession began, indications that Americans’ pessimism about the economy might be lifting.

The New York-based Conference Board said Tuesday its Consumer Confidence index rose to 54.1 from an upwardly revised 47.4 in July. Economists surveyed by Thomson Reuters had expected a slight increase to 47.5.

Still, the index is well below 90, the minimum level associated with a healthy economy.

Economists closely monitor confidence because consumer spending accounts for about 70 percent of U.S. economic activity. Consumer sentiment – fueled by signs the economy is stabilizing – has recovered a bit since hitting a record-low of 25.3 in February.

Many analysts expect the economy to grow 2 percent to 3 percent in the current July-September quarter, spurred by a more stable housing market and the Cash for Clunkers program, which has boosted auto sales. But economists worry that without healthier consumer spending, the recovery may weaken.

The housing slump and a weak job market have made consumers reluctant to spend. But the outlook for jobs is improving, the Conference Board said, with fewer respondents saying positions are “hard to get” and more claiming they are “plentiful.”

Consumers’ expectations for the economy over the next six months rose to 73.5 from 63.4 in July, the highest level since December 2007, when the recession began. The consumer confidence survey was sent to 5,000 households and had a cutoff date of Aug. 18.

Sal Guatieri, an economist at BMO Capital Markets, said the jump in the expectations index meant consumers likely will spend more in the months ahead.